Search Results

Vulcan Energie Ressourcen GmbH (Vulcan Energy) has recently made two announcements on their geothermal lithium operations in Germany – the first extraction of lithium chloride from the company’s Landau facility, and the topping-out ceremony of their facility in Frankfurt-Höchst. The Lithium Extraction Optimization Plant (LEOP) in Landau has officially entered the production phase, having produce Lithium Chloride (LiCl) for the first time. Early results using the Adsorption-type Direct Lithium Extraction (A-DLE) unit indicates lithium extraction efficiency that is consistently over 90%, in line with commercial plant expectations and Vulcan’s financing model. The LEOP was officially opened in 2023, and was recognized recently by the European Geothermal Energy Council (EGEC) as the recipient of the 2024 Ruggero Bertani European Geothermal Innovation Award.

Ralf Oppermann of Optimal Resource Solutions presented this discussion on fault extraction from seismic data on 18 April as a part of the AGA webinar series. Members can access a copy of the presentation via the link below. Geothermal energy has the potential to play a very important role in the sustainable global energy mix. There are, however, several technical and economic challenges that need to be overcome to de-risk geothermal development and production and to help accelerate commercial uptake (Drumm et al. 2021). Two of the key technical challenges for most types of deeper geothermal development are ensuring that sufficient and continuous flow of fluid is encountered (flow assurance) and that geothermal operations don’t trigger earthquakes (induced seismicity risk mitigation). Both of these key challenges can actually be addressed with the latest game-changing advancements in the reliable recognition of smaller-scale fault networks in seismic data, which will be presented in this talk. Hi-Res Automated Fault Extraction (HR-AFE) allows to very reliably visualize fault networks in 2D or 3D seismic data and directly relate these to drilling and production issues, allowing to create opportunities to significantly reduce drilling and stimulation/fracking costs and also increase production from subsurface assets (oil & gas, minerals, water, heat; Oppermann 2012a+b). Fluid flow rates and reservoir temperatures determine the power output of a geothermal resource. Understanding the matrix and/or fracture permeability is key to modelling the reservoir response and production sustainability (Drumm et al. 2021). In both Hot Dry Rock (HDR) and Engineered Geothermal Systems (EGS), where fluids are circulated through a stimulated fracture system, knowledge about pre-existing fault and fracture networks is key for the full understanding and meaningful modelling of flow and it is also key for project planning and placement/targeting of injector and producer wells. High-res Fault Extraction should be the standard addition to HDR and EGS workflows as it very reliably delineates interconnected fault networks in the subsurface and allows to target these for flow assurance (injector-producer pathways). It also allows to avoid faults if they could cause drilling problems or earthquakes (induced seismicity risk mitigation). Induced seismicity has been a key risk that has been established following earthquake links to previous geothermal developments. A magnitude 3.4 earthquake in Switzerland in 2006 damaged buildings and led to the geothermal plant’s closure, and a magnitude 5.5 earthquake in South Korea in 2017 injured 90 people and caused $52 million in damages. The Talk will show examples of the successful application of HR-AFE to Oil & Gas, Mining and Geothermal assets around the globe. Case Studies will include conventional & unconventional Oil & Gas reservoirs, a Geothermal project in Western Australia (Ballesteros et al. 2012), and Basement/hard rock studies where faults were delineated at high resolution in e.g. Granites (Yemen) and magmatic and metamorphic rocks (Vietnam, Finland). High-resolution fault visualization and evaluation can reduce the uncertainty in the success of Geothermal projects as it is instrumental in addressing the typical challenges for deep geothermal developments. It is proposed as a best-practise technique for Geothermal Companies to implement as it delivers -        reduced drilling & stimulation/fracking risks and costs -        increased reservoir performance/flow -        reduced induced seismicity risks References Ballesteros, M., Oppermann, R., Meyer, G., McDairimid, J. & Larking, A., 2012.  Targeting fracture permeability for geothermal developments in the North Perth Basin. Proceedings of the 2012 Australian Geothermal Energy Conference, 14-16 November 2012, Sydney/Australia. Drumm, E., Bolton, R., Hardman, J. & MacInnes, E., 2021. Technical challenges in geothermal development and production. 2nd Geoscience and Engineering in Energy Transition Conference, GET 2021. EAGE. Oppermann, R., 2012a. Finding sweet spots through Seismic Fracture Extraction – Unconventional Case Studies from around the world. Asia Pacific Oil & Gas Conference & Exhibition (APOGCE), 22-24 October 2012, SPE 158786. Oppermann, R., 2012b.  New method for seismic identification of fluid conduits or barriers challenges several industry paradigms.  AAPG/SPE/SEG Hedberg Research Conference, Fundamental Controls on Flow in Carbonates, 8-13 July 2012, France. Biography Ralf Oppermann is a Geoscientist and Technical Advisor with 34 years of experience, obtained working for Shell and Chevron and multiple other Oil & Gas, Mining and Geothermal companies. In 2008, Ralf founded OPPtimal Resource Solutions (‘OPPtimal’) as a technology service company, to provide new and leading-edge resource characterization solutions to companies active in Oil & Gas, Shale Gas, Coal Seam Gas, Mining, Geothermal, Groundwater, CO2 Sequestration and Underground Storage. OPPtimal has developed a Game-Changing and AAPG-awarded technology method to very reliably identify smaller-scale faults from 2D or 3D seismic data and directly relate these to drilling and production issues. The method not only allows to identify and address drilling and flow issues in existing wells but also allows to plan future wells to directly target (or avoid) flow-enhancing fault zones/sweet spots and realise significant drilling and completion/fracking cost reductions and increased production from subsurface assets (oil & gas, minerals, water, heat).  For this work, Ralf received the "Innovator in Geosciences Technology" Award from the Innovation and Emerging Science/Technology Group of AAPG. In 2015, Ralf co-founded the Resource Technology Network (RTN), a unique, independent and global Consulting Network providing technical, commercial and strategic Advice, performing Projects and delivering Training and innovative Technology Services as well as Manpower Services to Upstream and Midstream Clients worldwide. RTN’s currently over 275 highly-skilled and highly-experienced Specialists and Subject Matter Experts possess a diverse cumulative experience of over 7,750 years, having worked on over 5,000 projects worldwide. Ralf holds an MSc in Geology/Palaeontology and BSc in Business & Economics from the University of Göttingen in Germany. He has authored several papers and has given numerous presentations at various conferences. Ralf is a member of several professional associations, including AAPG, AGA, EAGE, FESAus, PESA and SPE.

Earths Energy and Baker Hughes have entered a strategic partnership to evaluate the deployment of closed-loop geothermal technologies in Australia.

AGA is the Peak Organisation for Geothermal Energy in Australia Incorporated in 2016, the Australian Geothermal Association (AGA) is a not-for-profit society whose members are individuals, professionals and corporations working in industry, academia and government representing the full range of geothermal applications. Become a Member Image: Sauron Eye by Fabio Sartori AGA is Australia's forum for individuals & organisations interested in geothermal energy, information, discussion, network, support and advocacy. Incorporated in 2016, the Australian Geothermal Association (AGA) is a professional society whose members are individuals working in industry, academia and government, representing the full range of geothermal applications from ground source heat pumps to direct industrial heat supply, recreational bathing and wellness, and electrical power generation. ​ Affiliated with the International Geothermal Association (IGA), AGA was born to promote and encourage the science, technology and development of geothermal energy in Australia. AGA is not-for-profit, non-party political and non-sectarian. ​ The views and opinions of individual AGA members are their own and not those of AGA or its membership. ​ AGA does not support or endorse any particular supplier or technology used or supplied by any member or organisation.​ ​ GA's Newsletter is accessible only to AGA members on this website at our Members page. Recordings of the Webinars put on by the Asia Western Pacific Regional Branch of the IGA can be accessed via our Members Page. ​ The Board & Officers of The Australian Geothermal Association. The Association's Constitution sets out the terms of its legal incorporation in November 2016 and the rules for its ongoing governance and administration. ​ The AGA Board of Directors is comprised of five directors who must be members of the organisation. Directors are elected to serve two-year terms with three positions becoming vacant one year and the other two the next. ​ The President and officers of AGA are appointed until a successor is elected by the Board of directors from their number at the first Board meeting held after the AGM. ​ The Board may appoint two additional members to act as Secretary and Treasurer. ​ The President presides as the Chairman of general meetings of members. ​ Mark Ballesteros and Martin Pujol were re-elected for two-year terms in 2023. Graeme Beardsmore, Betina Bendall and Adrian Larking were each re-elected for two-year terms in 2022. In May, 2022, Adrian Larking stood down as President and Mark Ballesteros was appointed in his place. Trey Meckel replaced the retiring Grant Bolton as Secretary with Betina Bendall continuing as Public Officer. Jorik Poesse was appointed Treasurer following the retirement of Ludovic Ricard. All of these appointments were renewed following the 2023 AGM. Meet Our Officers and Board of Directors . MARK BALLESTEROS PRESIDENT TREY MECKEL SECRETARY BETINA BENDALL DIRECTOR & PUBLIC OFFICER JORIK POESSE TREASURER MARTIN PUJOL DIRECTOR ADRIAN LARKING DIRECTOR GRAEME BEARDSMORE DIRECTOR Become a Member and join the AGA community To explore each of our membership packages and sign up please visit our Members page. Become a Member

Connecting Australia's Geothermal Community AGA is the Peak Body for Australia's geothermal sector, providing a forum for individuals and organisations interested in geothermal energy information, discussion, networking, support and advocacy. Become a Member Our Corporate Members Visit our Corporate Members Showcase What is Geothermal Energy ? Geothermal energy harnesses heat from the vast natural furnace inside the Earth. The core of the Earth is about the same temperature as the sun's surface, and the heat is continually replenished by the decay of radioactive elements that are mostly concentrated in the Earth’s crustal rocks, providing a huge source of sustainable and virtually emission-free energy. Learn more about Geothermal Energy in our Resources Hub. Resources Hub - Coming Soon How is Geothermal Energy used? Ground Source Heat Pumps Hot Springs Direct Use Electricity Generation Ground Source Heat Pumps Ground-source heat pumps (also known as geothermal heat pumps) are one of the most energy-efficient technologies for space heating and cooling and water heating. They work much like the reverse cycle heating and cooling systems commonly used throughout Australia but take advantage of the relatively constant temperatures present in the ground down to a depth of about ~50m. This allows the heat pump to operate more efficiently, thereby substantially reducing energy use. Learn more The Australian Geothermal Association promotes the science, technology & development of Geothermal Resources. AGA is Australia's forum for individuals and organisations interested in geothermal energy, information, discussion, networking, support and advocacy. About Us Learn more about the types of geothermal projects that are underway or being progressed in Australia. Explore Explore Geothermal Projects Read the latest Geothermal Energy research and industry publications from Australia and around the world. Explore Explore Research & Publications We provide the latest information about what's happening in the Australian geothermal energy scene. Discover Discover Upcoming Events Our members offer a variety of products and services to help you successfully complete your geothermal project. Learn More Need Help with a Geothermal Project? Why should you become an AGA Member ? Service providers can be included in our Member Services database by becoming a Professional Member. AGA does not advocate or promote any particular Member Services in preference to others. ​ Our Member Services database guides and assists the public to search for a service or geothermal equipment provider or a consultant to undertake a geothermal project. Become a Member Benefits of Membership include: To decide which category of membership is right for you, please click here for a description of the three benefits associated with each membership type. Industry Events Educational Resources Members Directory Industry Events & Resources We stay across upcoming in person and virtual events plus the latest Geothermal webinar, educational opportunities and resources so that you don't have to. The Australian Geothermal Association is actively engaged internationally . AGA is an Affiliate Member of the International Geothermal Association, a Partner in the Global Geothermal Alliance, an active member of the IGA Asia Western Pacific Regional Branch, International Energy Agency - Geothermal, the International Pertnership for Geothermal Technology and a Media Partner of Think Geoenergy. Explore our latest news & insights. We update our news hub with the latest updates from the Australian Geothermal Association and also share the latest research, insights and publications from the global geothermal community in our resources section. News Webinar Presentation: Finding flow and mitigating induced seismicity in Geothermal projects through Hi-res Seismic Fault Extraction Ralf Oppermann of Optimal Resource Solutions presented this discussion on fault extraction from seismic data on 18 April as a part of the... News Earths Energy, Baker Hughes to collaborate on geothermal technology Earths Energy and Baker Hughes have entered a strategic partnership to evaluate the deployment of closed-loop geothermal technologies in... News Webinar Presentation: Lemont GeoLithium: A combined geothermal power and lithium project in Tasmania Dr, John Bishop presented an update on the Lemont GeoLithium project - a dual-stream opportunity in Tasmania, working to develop a... Global Geothermal News & Insights . With market research, authoritative news and events, ThinkGeoEnergy is the leading information services provider for the global geothermal energy sector and the market it serves. Explore Geothermal news from around the world from Think GeoEnergy Explore Think GeoEnergy What is Geothermal Energy? Geothermal energy (from Greek roots geo, meaning earth, and thermos, meaning heat) comes from the core of the Earth, which is about the same temperature as the surface of the sun. Heat from this vast natural internal furnace constantly flows towards the surface, supplemented by heat from radioactive decay of elements like uranium, thorium and potassium that occur commonly in the mantle and continental crust. Taken together, this geothermal energy represents a huge source of emission free energy. What is the Australian Geothermal Association (AGA)? AGA is the peak organisation for Geothermal Energy in Australia. Incorporated in 2016, the Australian Geothermal Association (AGA) is a professional society whose members are individuals working in industry, academia and government, representing the full range of geothermal applications from ground source heat pumps to direct industrial heat supply, recreational bathing and wellness, and electrical power generation. Is the AGA not-for-profit? AGA is not-for-profit, non-party political and non-sectarian. What is the mission of the AGA? The AGA was incorporated to promote the science, technology and development of Geothermal Energy. Become a Member and join the AGA community To explore each of our membership packages and sign up please visit our Members page. Become a Member

Membership Options When applying for an AGA membership, the Applicant agrees to comply with our Code of Ethics. When renewing your membership, existing members will be deemed to have agreed to continue to comply with our Code of Ethics. ​ Prospective members need to complete a membership application , which must be approved before membership becomes official. ​ To decide which category of membership is right for you, please click here for a description of the benefits associated with each membership type. Community $ 50 50$ Every year For individuals with an interest in Geothermal Energy Get Plan Access to the AGA website Members Area Access to all AGA communications and data Professional $ 125 125$ Every year For those actively involved in the Geothermal Energy sector Get Plan Optional listing in Members Goods and Services Directory Access to all AGA communications & data Affiliated Membership International Geothermal Association Can apply for certification as a Practicing Professional Corporate $ 1,250 1,250$ Every year For companies working in the Geothermal Energy industry Get Plan Includes 5 free individual Professional Memberships Corporate logo on website Project entry in Corporate Member Showcase Nominate topics for AGA advocacy Professional (Corporate Coupon) $ 125 125$ Every year Professional membership provided via Corporate Member Get Plan Use this option with a coupon from a Corporate Member Includes all benefits of Professional Membersip In order not to burden AGA with administrative cost the membership is set to auto-renewal. Please contact us at any time if you wish to stop your membership.